Alfred Vidler of Jempson’s in Peasmarsh, celebrated the 40th anniversary of his illustrious career with the family-owned independent superstore recently.
Before joining Jempson’s four decades ago, Alfred and his father ran the village butcher’s shop in Northiam. The Vidlers have lived in the village for generations and Alf is proud of his heritage.
When Alfred began working at Jempson’s in 1979 for Harold Jempson and Michael Bailey, the office was situated behind the deli counter where Alfred has always worked. He remembers every day at 9.30am the bell rang once, signalling all men to go for their morning coffee break and again at 10am for ladies! He also remembers the bread strike in 1978, when Jempson’s bakers were working all day and night making thousands of loaves of bread a week, never turning a customer away. Stephen and Andrew Jempson used to take Alfred to the markets in Paris sourcing fresh produce and delicious cheeses for the deli, Stephen recalls: “That was when Alfred finally got a passport!”
Alfred, speaking of his career to date, says: “It is incredible seeing how the business has grown over the years. Harold always maintained he would never open another store and just look at what Jempson’s has achieved. I have thoroughly enjoyed every year with Jempson’s, we have some wonderful customers and a fabulous team.”
Stephen Jempson says: “Alfred has become the embodiment of what Jempson’s stands for, always offering a first-class service with the very best product knowledge. Alfred has an invaluable passion for his work and along with his commitment has proved to be a very valuable asset to the company. He is a true Jempson’s ‘Local Hero’.”
Source: Jempson’s
Image Credits: Jempsons .